5 years after move, Thrashers-Jets franchise still lacks playoff win
It's almost hard to believe it's been five years already.
On May 31, 2011, fans gathered at Portage and Main to celebrate the return of the NHL to Winnipeg after a 20-year absence.
Earlier that month, the Atlanta Thrashers were sold to Manitoba-based ownership group True North Sports & Entertainment, signalling the end of NHL hockey in Georgia for the second time in league history.
Season tickets sold out within minutes, and Jets 2.0 supporters quickly became known as some of the most boisterous, filling MTS Centre with raucous encouragement for the home team and creative chants directed at the opposition.
What a ride it's been so far.
May 31, 2011.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) May 31, 2016
What a five years it has been. But there is so much more to come.#GoJetsGohttps://t.co/rhSDRrThYB
The "more to come" teased in that tweet undoubtedly references the hoped-for end to a dubious distinction for the franchise: being the only NHL club without a single playoff victory.
Ever.
In 11 seasons in Atlanta, the Thrashers made one postseason appearance (2007) and were swept by the New York Rangers. The Jets advanced to the playoffs in 2015, but were also swept, this time at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks.
In terms of regular-season success, or lack thereof, the Jets are at least posting a greater winning percentage.
| Team | Games | Record (W-L-T-OTL-SOL) | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Thrashers | 902 | 342-437-45-49-29 | 0.447 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 376 | 176-156-0-22-22 | 0.527 |
The Jets do have some exciting young players on the roster and in the pipeline, with long-term commitments from star players like Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien. On top of that, they also have the No. 2 overall pick in hand at this year's NHL Draft.
How soon the playoff win drought will end remains anyone's guess, however.